Selecting the perfect whitewater kayaking paddle is probably the most important decision you will make as a boater. Choosing the proper blade shape will allow you to perform at the highest level for your style of boating.

Whatever your paddlesport of choice, you're using muscles and joints in ways that the couch-bound are not. Getting in shape and keeping in shape for paddling will help you become a better boater, have more fun, and prevent activity-ending injury.

Whatever you choose to call it, the life jacket is the first line of defense in every boater's safety arsenal. Unfortunately, there are a number of misunderstandings, misconceptions and myths about these important safety tools.

For paddlers living in areas with distinct boating seasons, cold or dry times of year can be a bummer. But, as author Andria Davis reminds us, the off-season gives you an opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Sahalie is an easily accessed waterfall on the headwaters of the Mckenzie River in Oregon. First run by Shannon Carrol in 1998, this incredibly beautiful waterfall has seen a relatively small number of descents by expert paddlers in the last few years.

Also called a "guide belt," this piece of webbing and locking carabiner make a valuable boater's tool. Whether you're kayaking, rafting or canoeing you'll find multiple uses for this easy-to-build webbing sling.

In this video, Josh from NRS Repairs shares an inflatable repair adhesives guide to help you understand when to use such glues as Clifton Hypalon, Shore, Stabond, Clifton Urethane, Vynabond and G/flex Epoxy

As part of our Kayaking Fundamentals series, instructor Ken Whiting gives some good tips on taking care of your boat. Plastic kayaks are a good choice for low-maintenance paddling, but they too require a little TLC.

In this video you will learn that the C-to-C kayak roll is a great technique to have in your kayak roll quiver. It breaks the roll setup into two distinct steps the paddle sweep and the paddle down thrust.

In this video you will learn that the kayak sweep roll is a very efficient way to roll your sea kayak or whitewater boat. Its smooth, low impact and gives you longer-lasting support from the paddle and more time to combine the hip snap with that paddle support.

Learn how to use a cooperative division of the body for key kayak strokes and for kayak rolling; how to maintain a power position to improve paddling strength and help prevent shoulder injuries; and how to achieve torso rotation in order to get your core upper body muscles involved in each stroke instead of just your arms.

This video covers throw bag techniques including throwing,safely bringing the swimmer to shore, how to brace so you don't get pulled into the water, and how to catch and hold the rope if you're the swimmer